28 May 2014

LSSI Receives Two Grants from Local Quad City Foundations

By Kristen Miller
  • LSSI's Intouch Adult Day Services Program for Seniors Receives Grant from The Doris & Victor Day Foundation

May 12, 2014. DES PLAINES, IL-Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) received a $3,500 grant from The Doris & Victor Day Foundation, to support the Intouch Adult Day Services- Moline, a program of LSSI. Based in Des Plaines, LSSI is largest social service provider in Illinois, and offers services in communities throughout the state.

The Doris & Victor Day Foundation has been a steadfast partner with LSSI in helping older adults in the Quad Cities lead fulfilling and independent lives. Intouch Adult Day Services-Moline is one of the largest adult day facilities in Illinois, providing personalized attention and stimulating activities in a comfortable, monitored environment to nearly 300 active seniors, socially isolated adults, and medically and psychologically challenged adults. The services also offer caregivers respite from routine mental stressors, and their daily responsibilities.

Adult Day Services staff address individual needs through three areas of care: Active Adults, for clients who are primarily independent, and can participate in the variety of activities Intouch offers, Community Helpers Programming, for individuals who have sustained brain trauma and require programming to address their specific needs, and the Adaptive Services Unit, a secured setting, offering services based on the functional ability of individuals with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, neurologic disorders and/or other diagnoses that require extra care. In addition to assisting clients with activities of daily living, Intouch Adult Day also provides health monitoring by onsite nursing staff.

Great thanks go to The Doris and Victor Day Foundation for this generous grant. The Doris & Victor Day Foundation was established in 1987, with the mission to better their community. It was Doris Day's hope that Rock Island would be "a better place" for future generations. Since its inception, the foundation has continued to meet the human needs in the Quad City Area.

  • LSSI Receives a Grant from the Rock Island Community Foundation to Support the Child Trauma Training Program for Foster Parents

May 12, 2014. DES PLAINES, IL- Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) received a $2,500 grant from the Rock Island Community Foundation, to support the Child Trauma-Informed Training Program for Foster Parents in the Quad Cities. Based in Des Plaines, LSSI is largest social service provider in Illinois, and offers services in communities throughout the state.

The Trauma-Informed Training program provides foster parents and caregivers with the tools and knowledge to help them succeed in more effective parenting and communicating with a foster child, coping with the effects of trauma. As temporary custodians of children removed from their birth families, foster parents and caregivers must serve numerous roles, while providing safe and loving homes for the children.

Using a curriculum developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, LSSI's Trauma-Informed Training helps foster parents and caregivers recognize the symptoms of child trauma, assist children in understanding and identifying their emotions and behaviors, and support children with basic coping strategies to improve their well-being. After Trauma-Informed Training, foster parents and caregivers report more positive experiences, making their responsibilities worthwhile.

Great thanks go to The Rock Island Community Foundation for this generous grant. Since 1967, The Rock Island Community Foundation has promoted the civic needs and general welfare of the City of Rock Island and surrounding communities, by providing financial support to causes and organizations that help its citizens.

About Lutheran Social Services of Illinois

Founded in 1867, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois is a statewide, not-for-profit social service agency of the three Illinois synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), as well as an agency of the United Way. Last year, LSSI served 96,000 people of all faiths through an array of services at 85 program sites across Illinois. For more information about Intouch Adult Day services, call 309.797.0200, visit LSSI.org, or go to LSSI's Facebook page.

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28 May 2014

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, Pediatrician and School Nutrition Director to Host Media Call on Need to Protect Child Nutrition Standards

By USDA Office of Communications
WASHINGTON, May 28, 2014- TODAY, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Dr. Robert Murray, the President-Elect of the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Donna West, a child nutrition manager at Brownwood Elementary School in Scottsboro, AL will host a media call to discuss the need to protect the childhood nutrition standards that are helping provide kids with more fruits and vegetables. They will discuss the healthcare implications of childhood obesity, which has doubled during the past 30 years.

According to Cornell University researchers, the estimated annual health care costs of obesity-related illness are a staggering $190.2 billion, or nearly 21% of annual medical spending in the United States.  A separate Duke University study indicates that childhood obesity alone is responsible for $14 billion in direct medical costs.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014
1 p.m. EDT

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack,  Dr. Robert Murray, the President-Elect of the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Donna West, a child nutrition manager at Brownwood Elementary School in Scottsboro, AL will host a media call to discuss the need to protect the childhood nutrition standards that are helping provide kids with more fruits and vegetables.     
28 May 2014

Zither concert this Sunday!

By G A H C
HAUSMUSIK ZUM FRÜHLING

Presented by the Davenport Zither Ensemble
SUNDAY, JUNE 1ST 2PM
JOIN US FOR OUR BI-ANNUAL ZITHER CONCERT PERFORMED BY THE DAVENPORT ZITHER ENSEMBLE. HEAR SEASONAL FAVORITES AS WELL AS CLASSICS! SEATS FILL UP QUICKLY, SO ARRIVE EARLY!
GERMAN AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER & MUSEUM, 712 WEST 2ND STREET, DAVENPORT, IOWA
563-322-8844     www.gahc.org
28 May 2014

Odyssey of the Mind Brings Thousands to Iowa-- Opening Ceremonies Tonight!

By Odyssey of the Mind
Opening Ceremonies: The beginning of a three-day whirlwind of creativity, competition, and fun. The ceremony is the official opening of the 35th annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. Students will meet and support each other, as well as represent their state or country in a march around the Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University, which will also be packed with Odyssey supporters and volunteers. It's a high-energy beginning to an exciting three days of creative problem-solving, fun, and teamwork. 

WHEN? Wednesday, May 28, 2014. Ceremony starts at 7:30 p.m.

WHO?  Over 18,000 excited OotM teams, volunteers, and officials from around the world.

Founder "Dr. Sam" Micklus will greet thousands of cheering supporters.

Our winning Odyssey Angels Group, part of our new charity initiative.  

WHERE? Hilton Coliseum, Iowa State University.  

CONTACT: Joan Coates -pressroom@odysseyofthemind.com --Odyssey of the Mind Press Room ? Scheman Building, 299 ISU. (515) 294-9937

WEBSITE: www.odysseyofthemind.com/wf2014/media
28 May 2014

The Impact of Money on Democracy

By Tracy Leone

A Panel Discussion on McCutcheon and Citizens United Supreme Court Decisions

Moderated by Jim Mertens, WQAD

Davenport, Iowa, May 16, 2014 - Quad City Coalition for Democracy announces it will host a forum to discuss how recent Supreme Court decisions on campaign finance are affecting politics in America.

Sixteen states, including Illinois, have formally demanded that Congress take action to amend the US Constitution to undo the US Supreme Court's decisions in McCutcheon and Citizens United. Close to 600 towns, villages, cities and counties have also made the ask. During the first weeks of March in New Hampshire, forty-seven town meetings called for a constitutional amendment.

In early April, thirteen Wisconsin communities voted overwhelmingly to call on their elected representatives to begin the amendment process. The US Senate will vote this year on a proposed constitutional amendment.

Is money the equivalent to free speech? Do corporations and unions have same rights as natural born citizens? How have these decisions affected politics in our community, especially in places like Coralville where an uninvited outside group spend thousands to affect the outcome of its 2013 City Council Election?

These and other questions will be addressed by our panel of speakers. We hope you will join us for what's sure to be an engaging discussion on the hottest topic of our time: money in politics.

 

PANELISTS:

Ed Broders, President, Iowa ACLU

Christopher Whitt, Political Science, Dept., Augustana College

Maggie Tinsman, Policy Analyst, 18 year member Iowa Senate

Ken Sagar, President, Iowa Federation of Labor, AFLCIO

Ian Russell, Partner, Lane & Waterman LLP

 

at the Rogalski Center, St. Ambrose University

518 W. Locust St., Davenport, IA

Thursday, MAY 29th

7PM  -  9PM

 

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

28 May 2014

BANDITS END UP ON TOP OF SEESAW BATTLE WITH BEES

By Scott Kornberg

Ramsay draws four walks, Mitchell goes 3-for-5 with a home runs as Quad Cities wins 10-9

BURLINGTON, Iowa (May 27, 2014) - In a game that featured five lead changes and three ties, the River Bandits ended up on top of the Burlington Bees 10-9 Tuesday at Community Field. It was Quad Cities' first one-run win since beating Beloit 6-5 on May 8.

After a three-run Burlington sixth put the Bees up 9-8, Brian Holberton, who went 2-for-5, led off the top of the seventh with a bloop double down the leftfield line. A wild pitch from Bees reliever Spencer Trygg (0-1) advanced Holberton to third, but he held there after a groundout by Jack Mayfield. The next batter, Ronnie Mitchell, drilled a two-run home run to right to put the River Bandits up for good at 10-9. Mitchell finished 3-for-5 with a triple shy of the cycle.

The Bandits got the scoring started in the top of the first. James Ramsay drew his first of four walks to lead off the game and scored when Chan-Jong Moon tripled down the rightfield line. Brett Phillips walked, and then with runners on first and third, Quad Cities executed a double steal to score Moon and make the score 2-0.

However, Burlington answered right back in the home half of the first. Kody Eaves doubled to lead off the inning and Exicardo Cayones walked against Quad Cities starter Andrew Thurman. Mike Fish flew out to right, but then Thurman surrendered an RBI single to Eric Aguilera and a three-run home run to Angel Rosa as Burlington grabbed a 4-2 advantage.

Thurman would battle to work a career-high 5.1 innings, but allowed eight runs on 10 hits with three walks and six strikeouts. He did not factor into the decision.

Quad Cities tied things up again in the third. Moon singled to start off the frame. Phillips then laid down a sacrifice bunt, but a throwing error on the third baseman Rosa allowed Moon to score all the way from first, with Phillips reaching third. After Chase McDonald was hit by a pitch from Burlington starter Clint Sharp, who gave up eight runs, five earned on seven hits in 4.1 frames, a 4-6-3 double play off the bat of Holberton scored Phillips and tied the game at five.

Jon Kemmer homered for the fourth time this season to give Quad Cities a 6-5 lead in the top of the fourth, but Burlington tallied a run in the bottom half with Stephen McGee scoring from third on a passed ball to knot things up again.

In the top of the fifth, Holberton drilled a one-out solo homer, his fourth of the year, to right-center and the Bandits held a 7-6 advantage. Tyler White then doubled and advanced to third and then home, respectively, on two wild pitches to give Quad Cities an 8-6 lead.

Albert Minnis worked 2.2 innings out of the bullpen to earn the win. Minnis (1-1) scattered four hits to allow only one run while fanning two. Frederick Tiburcio worked a scoreless ninth with two punchouts for his first career save as Quad Cities salvaged the three-game set to improve to 25-26.

The River Bandits will Chris Lee (2-2, 2.77 ERA) to the mound tomorrow as they begin a three-game series with the Beloit Snappers.

UP NEXT: The next chance to have your bill paid up to $100 by the River Bandits will be on Wednesday, May 28th when Quad Cities hosts the Beloit Snappers. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. battle on Game Show Night at Modern Woodmen Park. To order any of the ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.
28 May 2014

Lt. Governor Simon applauds Senate passage of education funding reform measure

By Annie Thompson
SPRINGFIELD - May 27, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon issued the following statement praising the Illinois Senate for passing meaningful school funding reform legislation today and encouraging the Illinois House to quickly approve the measure. Senate Bill 16 sponsored by Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), passed the Senate and heads to the House.
"Today was an important step toward a more equitable education system. The single funding formula passed by the Senate today can guide vital state dollars to the students who need them most. Whether living in a big city or small farm town, our students should all have equal access to world-class educations. Senate Bill 16 is a commonsense approach to creating a fairer system.
"I commend Sen. Andy Manar, members of the bipartisan Education Funding Advisory Committee (EFAC) and the Illinois Senate for their unwavering commitment and hard work, and I hope the Illinois House will work quickly to pass this important measure and send it to the governor to become law."
Simon urged state leaders to overhaul the way schools are funded in Illinois during the final hearing of the Education Funding Advisory Committee in January. Last month, Simon invited Sen. Manar to meet with southern Illinois superintendants and school administrators to build support for SB 16. Such meetings spurred positive changes to the bill, including a provision that helps consolidated districts afford transportation and the removal of a cap on incentives for dual credit students.
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28 May 2014

Reel Deal back at the Putnam

By Putnam Museum
Unlimited Movies from June 1 - August 31 at the Putnam Museum
Reel Deal passes are available all summer long -
stop by the Putnam and pick yours up today!
$35/Adults | $25/Kids ages 3-12

Weird Science | The Big Lebowski | Caddyshack | Sound of Music

Gremlins | Grease Sing-A-Long | Rocky Horror Picture Show

Edward Scissorhands | Romeo & Juliet | Fight Club | Dirty Dancing

PLUS over 12 others to enjoy this summer!
Movies and showtimes subject to change.
1717 W 12th Street | Davenport, IA | (563) 324-1933 | putnam.org
28 May 2014

Governor Branstad signs State Historic Preservation Tax Credit bill

By Robert Jackson Jr.

Legislation brings more predictability to program; elevates project "readiness"

 

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry Branstad today signed legislation that strengthens and brings more predictability to the State Historic Preservation and Cultural & Entertainment District Tax Credit Program overseen by the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA). Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, DCA Director Mary Cownie and Dubuque businessman John Gronen and others joined Branstad for the signing ceremony at the Salisbury House in Des Moines.

"This program plays a major role in revitalizing Iowa's communities, generating economic opportunities and creating jobs for Iowans," said Branstad. "Future generations of Iowans will have historic buildings available to connect with earlier generations that made Iowa a great place to live. I thank the Iowa Legislature for passing this bill and it is my great pleasure to sign it.  By signing this bill, I fully support the joint efforts of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and the Iowa Legislature to improve the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, which to date boasts more than one billion dollars of investments in Iowa's communities."

"This new legislation maintains the objectives of the program as originally introduced in 2001, while improving the Department of Cultural Affairs State Historic Preservation Office's ability to effectively distribute the tax credits," said Reynolds. "The changes to the current program all have one common end goal: more predictability."

The Iowa Legislature originally enacted the program to provide a state income tax credit of 25 percent of qualified costs for the rehabilitation of historic buildings. The goal was to encourage the private sector to protect historic properties, preserve the cultural heritage of Iowa communities and increase investment in local communities.

Since 2001, the state has invested $177 million in historic preservation tax credits, which have been the catalyst behind the rehabilitation of 283 historic buildings and the revitalization of 64 communities across Iowa. That investment has leveraged and attracted $890 million in investments, including $800 million for rehabilitation activities and an additional $90 million in related new construction.

Additionally, owners of historic properties, developers and community stakeholders have leveraged the program to reinvigorate mixed-used neighborhoods that attract entrepreneurs, small businesses and creative workforce seeking authentic and unique places to live and work.

"This program has been very popular among owners of historic properties and developers all across Iowa," said Cownie. "It has had a dramatic impact on retaining the authentic character-defining properties of our state and our overall quality of life, while also playing an important role in generating economic activity and creating job opportunities."

According to Iowa Department of Revenue survey results - for projects completed between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2013:

  • Projects employed over 9,200 workers during the various stages of the work, for an average of 2,300 jobs each of the four years for which data is available.
  • Supported direct salaries and wages of $228.5 million and total spending on labor, materials, and other related expenses exceeding $537 million, with 84 percent of that spending occurring in Iowa.
  • Property values at the time of project completion reflect a total of $205 million in increased assessed value.  Because some of the properties receive property tax exemptions or abatements, it is not possible to accurately estimate the resulting change in property tax collections.
  • And 53 of Iowa's 99 counties have seen historic buildings rehabilitated using the Historic Tax Credit.

The changes were a result of feedback gathered by a Governor-appointed stakeholder group assigned to look at the program and suggest improvements.  The Governor's office worked with the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historic Preservation Office, the Iowa Legislature and the Stakeholders to improve the program.

Under the legislation signed today, Iowans will see a number of changes in the program:

  • Elimination of a lottery-based tax credit reservation system in favor of a more predictable readiness-application process.
  • Elevated emphasis on project pre-planning, financing and timeline.
  • A transition from a three-year tax credit reservation system to a "use-when-you're-ready" system that offers more predictability for establishing project completion dates and submission of tax credit.
  • Retools the review process to be more predictable for the applicant and the state.
  • Uses an approach similar to other state tax incentive programs to promote consistency for tax preparers and for ease of administration.

The State Historic Preservation and Cultural & Entertainment District Tax Credit Program is overseen by the Department of Cultural Affairs State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), a bureau of the State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI).

The bill summary is as follows:

House File 2453: an Act relating to the administration of the historic preservation and cultural and entertainment district tax credit program by the Department of Cultural Affairs, providing for fees, and including applicability provisions.

 

###

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for developing the state's interest in the areas of the arts, history and other cultural matters with the advice and assistance from its three divisions: the State Historical Society of Iowa; the Iowa Arts Council; and Produce Iowa, the film, television and digital media office that supports media production in Iowa. DCA preserves, researches, interprets and promotes an awareness and understanding of local, state and regional history and stimulates and encourages the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and public interest and participation in them. It implements tourism-related art and history projects as directed by the General Assembly and designs a comprehensive, statewide, long-range plan with the assistance of the Iowa Arts Council to develop the arts in Iowa. More information about DCA is available at www.culturalaffairs.org.
28 May 2014

DMU awarded 539 degrees at 114th commencement ceremony

By Jordan Bahnsen
Des Moines, Iowa (May 27, 2014) - Des Moines University granted 539 degrees at its 2014 Commencement Ceremony, the 114th in the university's history, on Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m. at Hy-Vee Hall in the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The dean from each of the three DMU colleges presented their classes and DMU President Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., conferred degrees.

Emily Morse, D.O., Wayne and Debbie Morse, from Bettendorf

Areeba Ahsan, D.O., Qazi and Naseema Hai , Junaid Ahsan, from Davenport, IA
Michael Craddick, D.O., David and Kris Craddick, Erica Craddick, from Davenport, IA


Continuing a tradition started in 1899, the College of Osteopathic Medicine awarded the doctor of osteopathic medicine degree to 221 graduates. The college also conferred the master of science in anatomy and master of science in biomedical sciences degrees to 12 graduates. The College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery awarded the doctor of podiatric medicine degree to 53 graduates. The College of Health Sciences recognized 249 graduates from five programs - doctor of physical therapy, post-professional doctor of physical therapy, master of science in physician assistant studies, master of public health and master of health care administration. Some students earned dual degrees.

Senator Tom Harkin delivered the commencement address. Senator Harkin has represented Iowa in Congress for nearly 40 years. He has championed critical legislation that improves lives, working to transform America into a "wellness society" focused on disease prevention, healthier lifestyles and good nutrition. His hallmark legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, changed the nation's landscape by requiring buildings and transportation to be wheelchair-accessible and workplaces to accommodate people with disabilities.

A photo of the graduate is available at {URL}.

-30-

Des Moines University has three colleges (listed below). An explanation of degrees awarded follows:

College of Osteopathic Medicine:

Osteopathic Medicine Program - Graduates of this program earn a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) degree. They complete a comprehensive four-year medical education program, including 18 months of clinical training.

Anatomy Program - Graduates of this program earn a master of science (M.S.) degree in anatomy. This is a 40.5 credit hour program. Graduates will be listed as having earned a M.S. (A), but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a M.S.

Biomedical Sciences Program - Graduates of this program earn a master of science (M.S.) degree in biomedical sciences. This is a 40 credit hour program. Graduates will be listed as having earned a M.S. (BS), but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a M.S.

College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery:

Graduates of this program earn a doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) degree. They complete a comprehensive four-year medical education program, including 18 months of clinical training.

College of Health Sciences:

Physical Therapy Program - Graduates of this program earn a doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T.) degree. They complete a 34-month educational program, including clinical internships.

Postprofessional Physical Therapy Program - Graduates of this postprofessional program earn a doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T.) degree. They complete a 17-23 credit educational program. Graduates will be listed as having earned a (PP)D.P.T., but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a D.P.T.

Health Care Administration Program - Graduates of this program complete at least two years of education, attending full- or part-time, and earn a master of health care administration (M.H.A.) degree. The degree provides an educational foundation for careers and leadership in management, planning policy analysis and similar roles in long-term care or other health care settings.

Public Health Program - Graduates of this program complete at least two years of education, attending full- or part-time, and earn a master of public health (M.P.H.) degree. The program provides students with the skills to lead community efforts in improving health.

Physician Assistant Program - Graduates of this program earn a master of science (M.S.) degree in physician assistant studies. The program provides students the skills necessary to become certified physician assistants. Graduates will be listed as having earned a M.S. (PA), but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a M.S.

- - - - -

Des Moines University is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, health care administration, anatomy, biomedical sciences and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' pass rate on national examinations and board certifications is consistently higher than the national average and the rates at similar institutions.

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